Poison Path we stand together

This meeting/RE thread will happen after the Dust Bowl Dance and Intuition threads, but before I Gave You All thread. First round replies should be completed by Feb. 6th If you cannot make that date, just send me a PM. <3. This is what the fallen tree looks like, but it's within the den area, so there's not lake/water in the background.

Light snow — Current Temperature: 18° F/-8° C
Dusk

The White Queen stood motionless upon her pedestal among the rocks that littered their den site, which had once been Rhysis’ and Naira’s as the light snow began to cover her in a snowy cape. She could remember their first meeting right here where it had only been a handful of trusted ones. She could even remember the last rule that Rhysis had laid out, yet disobeyed as well. “The main rule here is loyalty and respect. We are a family now… Above all others, you are here to protect my female and her young with your life.” Athena had been the loyal one. She never left and when both of them did, she cared for their young with her life. And what was she given in return when they came back? Nothing. Aside from a march onto her territory, that she had gained rightfully, to take back their children when they didn’t deserve them in the first place. She had cared for them when they had not. She had protected them when they did not. She loved them with all her heart while they deserted and left them. For what reason, she doesn’t care for or even acknowledge anymore. All that matters was that she was there for them, when they were not.

Earlier in the day, she had been pacing in the den area, contemplating what she was going to do about Tlarx’s sudden disappearance. Ash had told her that he just wanted to be a loyal second, not a leader. He wasn’t ready to take that on. She was disappointed, but she had to find someone suitable soon. Perhaps Tlarx would come back to her, though she wouldn’t know if she’d accept him back in the first place. She had counted on him. She loved him, but he left her. Just like all the others did. However, her pacing had been interrupted by a loud cracking and groaning sound come from the trees that surrounded her. Her fiery eyes looked around her, searching for what was creating the deafening noise, when one of the older, dead trees fell down upon her lands. Athena had been far enough away, but she could still feel the rush of cold air blowing past her as it landed on the ground in the middle of their den area. Thankfully, it had not crushed any of their rocky dens, but it would still be a nuisance lying in the middle of everything.

However, Athena continued her pacing after assessing the fallen tree for a few moments, climbing and inspecting it. Dusk had fallen by the time she took up her spot among the cluster of rocks. Standing regally on the highest rock, she lifted her elegant muzzle and let loose a call for all her followers. It was time to regroup and assess their injuries.

(This post was last modified: Feb 02, 2013, 08:42 PM by Athena.)

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

Kamota's eyes lit up as he heard the call from the muzzle of no other but the queen he swore he'd serve to the end of his days. He ran to her with the sounds of the wind howling at him as he braved the wind and ran in the opposite direction of when it flowed. A vole he had hunted before the call was clamped firmly in his jaws. It was dusk he could tell as the sun was curving down to rest itself for the night on the horizon as the moon rose up to take up patrolling the earth. The light snow that had already fallen was crunching at his feet, the falling snow was landing on his pelt and melting from his warmth. He was the first to arrive. He respectfully bowed, his tail curled up to be flat against his belly. He was the lowest of the male rankings. "Greetings Lady Athena." He said respectfully as he placed his vole near her. He couldn't begin to worry about Ash's hate for him, especially with her around. He had to brave the stormy personalities of his packmates.

He watched her, wondering why she'd called this meeting on the mountains. They had just had one a while ago, and they were all there when Datura decided to leave with Naira, Rais, some loners, his former brother and of course the little pup Adonis. He really did not like the rude and ungrateful pup. The only one who stayed, the only pup who knew loyalty to they're pack over their mother, that was Belladonna. He remembered telling her of how the lake might turn to ice. The first snowfall she'd experienced. It was a happy day for him. He had just finished his rounds of patrolling and he had started to do his hunting duty. He wondered who else would show. Ava was gone, he hadn't seen Tlarx since the meeting. Where was he? He expected that his sister be there soon, if not, then he would send her to places she dare not speak of. If he dishonored and shamed him to the point where he was kicked out of Poison Path, it would show she hadn't changed at all. He would hate her and disgrace her like Tenzin had. She'd be nothing to him if she didn't show.

-Like a phoenix, I rise from the ashes.-
~Anger is a short madness.

He had been patrolling the borders when the call had come for the pack. They had all gone through much since they had gotten here, and when he thought all he meant Athena, Belladonna, and himself. The others had gotten her in the middle of the crisis, not really understanding what was going on and the drama that had ensued with them for so long. It made him sad to see this and all he wanted to do was scream into the mountains and howl out all the pain he was feeling because of the wolves who had been cruel to them all. Many had left the three of them, leaving them heartbroken and hurt, Athena mostly. She had lost everyone. Rhysis, Naira, Ava, Chantille, Tlarx, and Treena….so many others. He too missed them, save Naira and Rhysis, though Treena mostly. He still remembered everything about her. How soft her fur was and the glimmer in her eyes when adrenaline would rush through her veins.

He wasn’t wasting time dwelling on his thoughts though…he was almost there, just a little bit longer. It wouldn’t take long for him to arrive. He knew that with Tlarx coming it would be odd for him to be bumped up as alpha. He wasn’t ready for that position though, the reason he was such a good second was because he was good at sneaking around and finding out information from the other wolves throughout the pack. With duties as alpha, he wouldn’t be able to do that for Athena…and truthfully, he didn’t like the idea of relying on Steel or Kamota for that job. He respected Steel enough, but he didn’t know the male very well. And he wasn’t particularly happy about that. There was also their newest addition, Eden…Ash would definitely need to get to know the male better. His own personal problem seemed to rely on the meeting with Ava at the lake. He was still undetermined about that…he had missed her, but she had betrayed them and Ash was suppose to feel the utmost hate towards her, but all he could muster up was sadness.

When he arrived at the area, his mossy green eyes took in the scene in front of him. Athena upon the highest rock, and a fallen tree near them and Kamota a little ways away. The massive man snorted a greeting to the man, his green eyes warning him not to start any trouble. He then walked over towards Athena, jumping up the rocks towards the one next to her, his tail in about the same position as her, not daring to go above her. He was the highest ranking male in the pack now and he would help Athena lead until she found a suitable male by her side. As long as she was happy, he would gladly submit to a new alpha male, as long as it suited Athena’s needs for the future. Dipping his head towards her and licking her shoulder, he waited for the rest of the pack to arrive, mainly keeping an eye out for Bella…for Athena surely knew that the massive guardian would go watch over her as soon as she arrived.

(This post was last modified: Feb 02, 2013, 06:18 PM by Ash.)

I think I've finally seen the light..in you.

Namara trotted towards the sound of the call, she had been relatively close by hunting halfway between the dens and border. Just in case she was needed at either. Briefly she wondered what the meeting could be about, she hoped that she could maybe meet some pack mates today, or at least familiarize herself with scents, appearances so she knew who she was supposed to trust. If anyone could be trusted at all, she would remain reserved. The large she wolf continued, dragged on through the snow, she was beginning to think she may take a trip out to the neighboring mountain some day soon.

She came upon the scene and, bent low in submission to his alpha's at least she thought Ash was leading male, she had seen no other. Come to think of it she hadn't met anyone other than those who stood here, save for Navar, the golden she wolf whom she had shared a perch with. Namara back away from them remaining low until she came to a stop next to Kamota. All at once a sudden feeling of kinship seemed to overtake her, being next to her brother at a pack meeting, an she turned and butted his shoulder hoping to make him stumble, with a good nature'd mischievous look in her eyes. She smiled broadly at him revealing her teeth and and then turned her head with a quiet huff of laughter back towards Ash and Athena.

Steel had just finished his latest round of the borders when his Lady's voice rang through cold air of the falling darkness. In actuality, he had little to do with his pack mates in general, but when it came to Athena all bets were off. She held sway over the wolf, though he could not say why... nor would he try to. It just was. Her voice called the pack together and like a siren's call, he was drawn to it even as he growled at the thought of being in a group once more. Although it would be a much smaller group this time to be sure.

The veritable strangers Naira and her boy Adonis were gone, taking the pup Datura with them and breaking Athena's heart. He wasn't one for drama, but he hated what Naira had done to his white queen. And the boy Rais. He'd barely even realized that he'd joined the pack until he betrayed them and joined the agressing rabble. He remembered him from long ago in his loner days. He'd grated on his nerves then, but if he ever showed his face around the burly black and white male again, he would forfeit his life after his latest stunt.

As lost as he'd gotten in his thoughts, which was very un-Steel-like in the first place, he made it to the den site before he knew it. Normally, he avoided the den like the plague, still being a loner at heart, but this was where his Lady called him to. He noted Ash standing besides Athena, his tail only a few tiny increments below her own. His queen's mate also seemed to have vanished, along with the midnight fae, Ava. Wasn't a pack supposed to stay together? He thought that was the whole idea and though he didn't know the details and mostly didn't care too, it seemed that half of their pack was gone now.

He silently joined the group, a bit away from the other two wolves, Kamota and another fae whom he barely gave a glance to. With a brief look at Ash, he dipped his head slightly, but respectfully. His tail remained high, but well below that of both Ash and Athena. To his Lady, he gave a longer, almost soft look and a far more apparent nod of respect. It was to her he owed his allegiance and no one else. He had given respect to Tlarx, Ava and Ash for her sake. And now two of them had deserted the pack. Ash remained and his obvious devotion to Athena and young Bella was the kindling that just might light the fire of respect for himself alone, given time. For the moment though, his dark stormy blue gaze rested solely on the regal white fae before him.

Moments before the call would sound through the air, a brown wolf paced in the mountains. This was really different from what he was used to. The air felt different from what he was used to. Beneath the mountains it was more lovely and friendly. Well it was like that Eden didn't regret his choice. He had lived his life on ground level but things were different now, just as his home. Home. It had a strange sound in his ears. It should sound different. He remembered it differently. The wolf couldn't put his paw on what it exactly was. It was nothing to worry about, it should not be. He just had to adjust himself a bit more. Introduce himself to his new packmates. Those wolves were still like strangers to him, other than Athena he only knew Ash but he couldn't claim them as his friends. However he would work hard so he could earn that place in their heart. It would be difficult, his heart had for a long time closed off any friends. Eden wouldn't change that simple. Months of a loner life would come with a price, just like his actions.

The howl came not from far. Unintentionally his ears turned towards the source of the sound. Someone howled, calling for wolves. It was Athena, he had to go. His paws had already turned before his mind had said so. Looked like it was only his brain that had to see through this new life. Going in a steady trot he turned back home. The rocks under his paws, they still felt so unfamiliar compared to the soft grasses. He should learn to run on full speed fast, otherwise he would be a bother. Unable to catch his own food, it would be too embarrassing. He had to bring his efforts to the pack and proof his worth. Not only for them, it was also for himself.

The area still gave him difficulties. Without paying attention he could go the wrong way, turn left instead of right. Walking in a death end or facing a bottomless cliff. Luckily he turned the right way this time. Being late on his first meeting, he didn't wanted that to happen. Scents he would soon learn were already in the place. It was a small group. Small with Athena and Ash above them. Lowering his gesture suitable for his low rank he entered the scene. There as no epexgesis needed to see he was the new one. A short look was given to every single member. So this was his new family. In the end he met the eyes, first with those of Ash the Second stood high and close towards his Queen. His green gaze stayed by the amber eyes. Athena.

While pacing the outside borders of the lands Navar had heard the Queen's call. Her head lifted from the ground, red capped ears swiveled instinctively to better hear the message she was sending. They were to meet at the den site. A small twist in her gut broke her concentration from the call but her message was received. The cream female had yet to make her way to the den site, and she felt a sudden rush of stress flood her body. The Queen was beckoning all the members to join and she was anxious to meet all of them for the first time in close quarters. Pinpointing the direction from which she was called she took off in a quick pace. Being late to the first gathering she was directed to join wouldn't look good for her.

It took quite a few minutes to reach the group of wolves. Her new family. Many of them had already arrived, and she pray she wasn't too tardy. Her pace slowed as she took in the sight before her. A rather odd place to make a pack den site considering the fallen tree, but she assumed the Alpha's had their reasoning. Golden eyes picked out Athena, Ash, Namara, who not surprisingly stood next to her brother, Kamota. There were others. A large gray mixed wolf who's demeanor was not a friendly one, but she caught the gaze he was casting in the White Queen's direction. She quickly adverted her eyes as not to convey disrespect. Last, they fell upon a dark colored wolf, his green eyes making her look only a moment longer before she equally dropped her posture. Her legs bent, tail lowered, as she gave a respectful glance to her authorities.

Navar's coat appeared much more cream when she was compared to Athena, but was filled in nicely nonetheless. Her body filled out since being inside the protected borders and finding much more time to sleep and hunt rather than exhaust herself with constant travel. For this she was thankful, and she owed it to her Alpha to be thankful and participate when called upon. Pack life was foreign to the female and she wished not step on any toes, but to make her name known within Poison Path, particularly with a rank in due time. Taking a neutral position among her pack mates she quietly cast her gaze up, ready to receive details on their gathering.

No posting order. Round ends - Feb. 19th

athena

she nourishes the poison in her veins

Waiting patiently for her followers to come to her call, her fiery eyes scanned her den area. Her home always seemed to stay beautiful, no matter what season. The newly fallen tree even added to the everlasting beauty, which will no become a part of Poison Path life from now on. The incoming sound of another interrupted her gazing, her burning eyes turned to face the arrival of grey and brown littered male. So far, he has done nothing to raise suspicion of his loyalty. He has been a loyal wolf so far, no strikes that she knows of. She noted his submission and the vole that he placed at the bottom of her pedestal. “Thank you, Kamota,” she said before turning back towards the entrance of the den area to see how was next to enter.

Her dutiful Guardian was the next to arrive, his massive form loaming over Kamota as he passed. Her fiery eyes shown with utmost pride for him – he was the one he could truly trust, not Tlarx. Ash was truly her Guardian, he has never left. Tlarx has been gone for over two months now and there was no sign of him coming back to her. After she lost his trail in the mountains, she still held on to the thought that he had just gotten lost and would come back to her soon, but time drug on and he isn’t back. Athena didn’t want to abandon the hope of his return, but she couldn’t hang on the heartless betrayals that so many others have committed. He had known what she had gone through, but it seems he didn’t care anymore. Ash, however, does care, which was evident with his gentle grooming of her shoulder as he rightfully sat himself besides her. Oh, how much she wished he would willingly take up the position besides her forever.

Giving Ash a lick on his cheek, her amber eyes dancing over his deep emerald eyes for a moment before she once again glanced over to see who was next to arrive. The Laylani sister followed, her body submission following the same lines of Kamota’s. Approval was held steadily in her eyes for the woman. With so much unknown about Namara, she didn’t know much about her besides that she was Kamota’s sister and she was here to prove herself to him and her. However, she hoped that would soon change. The burly body of Steel soon followed, his respect of his superiors was noted and she gave a quirk nod in his direction in return. Steel was among the trusted wolves that she could depend on wholeheartedly. She was lucky that he had taken up her offer of a home when she did, or else Poison Path might not be the same. She was one lucky Queen to have him by her side.

Her burning eyes waited for the sign of the remaining poisoned wolves and soon the brown hued male came into her sights. His sea green eyes caught her attention as he watched as his massive body made his way towards her. A delicate smile unconsciously laced onto her face before she finally broke the trace that his eyes placed on her. The cream body of Navar soon appeared and her submission was also noted. She would soon need to get to know her new females below her as she knew barely anything about them, unlike her males where she knew much more. She began searching for any sign of her daughter to appear, but after a few long moments of waiting, she had to begin. Clearing her throat and giving Ash one last glance, she prepared to give her speech. “Thank you for coming promptly as you have.”

“Throughout my leadership of Poison Path, many have come and gone, but only a few have stayed loyal. The hurt and betrayal pained our hearts with every disappearance, but we’ve remained strong on the outside, while on the inside we grieve for our losses.” She paused to look at each of the ones below her, before she moved off her pedestal becoming equal with her family. Stopping in front of the ones gathered before her, she began to speak once again, her voice stronger than before. “But, there is a time for grievance and a time to move on. Today is the day that we all must move on from past wrongs done against us. We must remain strong on the inside and out. Our adversaries cannot see us weak. No, we are resilient and together we will remain strong, no matter what gets thrown at us.”

Her white form began pacing in front of her subjects, her fiery eyes meeting their eyes. “ I will no longer be made a fool. No more disloyalty, no longer will insubordination be tolerated. I am no fool. If one decides to leave without alerting another, you will no longer be trusted and if any of us come across you, you will get the consequences.” Her burning eyes angry as she went on, all the memories of the ones she loved passed before her eyes, but she pushed them away. They were the past. The ones before her were the present and soon the ones that will be in her womb will be the future. She no longer lived in the past; she will not wallow in that pain anymore. Her body and soul can’t take it anymore. She was turning a new leaf. A leaf for the present and future.

“Now to other business. I am not aware of where Naira and Rhysis have settled, besides somewhere in the mountains. Soon, I will send one of you to go scout them out and locate their whereabouts. For now, we are still adversaries and they are not to be trusted. As for the other packs that I know of, Grizzly Hollow who are located in the Cedarwood forest to the west, Copper Rock Creek is located to the far north, and Willow Ridge is located in Drooping Willows to the west of us, they are neither adversaries nor allies, besides Swift River that is located to the west of us in Sacred Grove. It would not be advisable to trek by River lands; past events have made our relationship with them strained and I am still unsure of our relationship status with them. If any of you know of any other packs and their locations, please speak up now” She said, her eyes glancing over the Ash for a moment before turning back towards the others. “If any of you would like to introduce yourselves to the others and if you would like to work for a specific position, please let me know now. I will also need two groups for a pack hunt that I have planned for tomorrow. I need a group of chasers and a group of attackers. Each will need to have a leader. I will be the leader of the chasers, any volunteers for a leader for the attacker group?” Her fiery eyes looked around, watching for anyone to take up the opportunity.

(This post was last modified: Feb 15, 2013, 01:20 AM by Athena.)

|| Ash is welcome to make an appearance in any thread. ||

It didn't take long for the rest of their members to trickle in and one by one, Ash gave them appraising glances, quietly evaluating them as time went on. Namara was first, and the guardian could only quietly watch the girl as she bowed before them before backing up towards her brother. She had not proved him wrong yet and therefore was starting to earn his trust, little by little. The brown girl had proved to listen to the higher subordinates well and it had proved that a strike had not been put against her, yet. Next to arrive was the silent Steel, and the Hervok quietly nodded his head to the male, still glad to have him Poisoned. He had proved to be quite loyal to their Queen and had not deserted them as all the rest had. Tlarx was not coming back and as much as it was so, at the moment, if any male tried to claim Athena, Ash would personally skin them and then kill them. Either way, they would not survive. The soft touch of Athena's muzzle to his shoulder calmed him down slightly and warmed his heart, his tense shoulders relaxing. More arrived quickly. First Eden, Poison Path's newest addition, who accordingly bowed to both of them before taking a place near the back. Not too soon after him was Navar, a female who Ash had not really gotten to know well enough, but had been for her joining. If he looked at the gathered and thought about it clearly enough, he had been at all of their joinings and had observed them throughout the time, having the familiar mountain terrain under his paws so that he could see what they had been doing. Sometimes, he thought of himself more as a spy than a guardian, if there were such a role, but Ash kept most of the patrols running around the area and loyally did whatever Athena asked of him.

When no one else arrived, Ash tensed and he was unsure if his leadess had sensed it or not, but not having Belladonna here, in their presence had caused him to stress over her whereabouts and location and it was not something the man liked to do. Swallowing, his ears flickered towards Athena as her voice rang over them, his mind silently going through the names of the deserters they had in the past. Naira, Treena, Ava, Chantille, and Tlarx. So many had left in Athena's rule and he was sure that it had left many scars on her heart as it had his. When her leg twitched in movement, the silent knight moved with her, their body movements in perfect sync. When she stopped, so did he. Her words rang over them, strong and independent. They would all move on now, they had all had their time to mourn and now it was time for the poisoned hearts to grow their nightshade back on them. For any that came too near would die due to the deadly plant. With her next words, concerning deserting them all, Ash gave an added bark that rang through the empty air, his green eyes piercing those of Athena's wolves. The angry pace of the leader in front of him working off his own bent up anger. The message was clear to them, when their alpha meant consequences. I will hunt you down and kill you. It had not been something that Athena or Ash had spoken about, but it was also something that did not need to be communicated through the two of them with words. Ash was like an assassin if need be, give him an assignment, and he would not stop until it was complete.

Much talk about the other packs followed, and Ash shook his head silently at her words on his sister's former pack. Clearing his throat after Athena was done speaking on the subject, his voice rang out, "Actually, recently there has been word that Copper Rock Creek has disbanded...the pack is no more." His green eyes spoke silently to Athena, telling her of how he had not had the time to seek her out on the subject, as his sister had spoken to him of it after the three had dispersed. At the next words of the pack hunt Ash's ears pricked forward, aspired to lead the attacking group. With a small snort he spoke up, once more, "I will lead the attacking group." He had not ever really spoken of his hunting abilities, as his skills mainly remained in guarding, but he did not lack in hunting, as he had to do so much when he had been a loner. He had enough speed on him, and plenty of strength to bring the prey down. A hunt could be what would bring the poisoned family back together. Hopefully...

I think I've finally seen the light..in you.

Kamota felt the pressure burn down onto his soul as the words flew from the leader(s) mouths. He had not seen Tlarx, and through chain of command, Ash was next to lead the Poisoned Wolves. As Ash volunteered for the attack group, his heart sank, he liked being on the attack group of a hunt because it always gave him a sense of pride to take down such prey. But he did try to inadvertently avoid having to work with Ash because he feared he would do something wrong and get yelled at again. "I can chase if you'll have me in the group Lady Athena." He said, speaking out for the first time. He decided he would have to introduce himself to Eden when they were done setting up such a hunt. He thought back, the chasers were actually a better group to be in given his speed. He felt like the smallest and fastest wolf in the pack. The truth would have yet to be seen.

He had kept his submission, with his tail flat up against his belly. His neck always exposed in some way shape or form. But after all, this was the wild, he only wished to be trusted within the pack, like Ava had been before she left. Or as Ash was now, it even seemed like the pack trusted his sister more then they trusted him. He felt as if he could do nothing right, as if his heart was far away, but it could not have been. Now was the times of salvation for the pack he had sworn loyalty to. He swore his vigilant hunting and watching to the pack with the nightshade borders. He waited for Athena or Ash to respond to him, or for others to put in input as well.

(This post was last modified: Feb 19, 2013, 11:02 PM by Kamota.)

-Like a phoenix, I rise from the ashes.-
~Anger is a short madness.